‘American West,’ a dual exhibition, opens at Berkshire Museum
Pittsfield — “American West,” a dual exhibition, opens at Berkshire Museum on Friday, September 25. It includes the traveling exhibition National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West, featuring photography from the last 125 years, and “Go West:” objects, artwork, and interactive stations pertaining to the grand adventure of the American West organized by the Museum’s staff. The exhibition will be on view Saturday, September 26 through Sunday, January 3, 2016.
Featuring the best images of the West published by the magazine since 1889, “National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West” includes works by more than 50 different photographers. Arrayed together, they tell a story about imagination, spectacle, adventure, and surpassing beauty together with startling views into the daily struggles of people and animals in a vast and often intimidating territory. “Go West” includes mementos celebrating the rodeo tradition, from costumes and belt buckles to a champion’s saddle; Audubon prints illustrating the story of prairie dogs and the elusive black-footed ferrets; and a bison skeleton that demonstrates the scale and presence of the animal. Just for fun, a newly-built stagecoach invites children and families to climb aboard and take photos.
The “American West” preview party will take place Friday, September 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public; tickets are $10 adult, $5 child, and free for Museum members. Contact the Museum for more information at (413) 443-7171.
–E.E.
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Lenox Apple Squeeze celebrates 36 years
Lenox — The 36th annual Lenox Apple Squeeze will be held on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With more vendors than ever, handmade crafts, sculptures, and original art works will fill the streets along with handmade jewelry, textiles, wood carvings, leather goods, and hand-woven clothing.
Enjoy foods, wines, beers and delicacies from around the world as local farmers display the bounties of this year’s harvest. Returning this year is a free wine tasting on both days. As always apples and all imaginable apple recipes will abound.
On Saturday the Kids’ Park at Lilac Park will have carnival games, a bouncy slide, and live music. With several stages around the downtown, rock, jazz, bluegrass, and country bands will fill the streets with music both days. New this year will be family entertainment on the lawn of the Lenox National Bank. The Lenox Merchants Group has joined the event this year: a promotional tote bag will offer customers a different discount at each participating business during the Apple Squeeze weekend and the same totes will also act as a tool to receive discounts at participating shops during the holidays shopping season. Housatonic Valley Art League is presenting the “Small Works” show at the Wells Gallery next to the Lenox Library.
The 36th annual Apple Squeeze is presented with the support of the Lenox Chamber of Commerce, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Adams Community Bank, Lee Bank, and the Town of Lenox. For more information call (413) 637-3646.
–E.E.
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Shake & Co. staged reading of ‘The Vandal’ by Hamish Linklater
![LinklaterHeadshot[1]](https://berkshireedge-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LinklaterHeadshot1.jpg)
Set in Kingston, New York, “The Vandal” is a bittersweet comedy about a woman and a boy who meet at a bus stop on a freezing cold night and the stories they tell to keep each other warm. No one, as it turns out, is exactly who they initially claim to be. “The Vandal” is a story about life, love, loss, and the power of Cool Ranch Doritos. The playwright, Hamish Linklater, is a star of stage, film, and television and is the son of Company founding member Kristin Linklater.
The monthly Studio Reading Series explores new and unique works and features Company actors. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. More information and tickets are available from the Berkshire Edge calendar and by calling the Shakespeare & Company box office at (413) 637-3353.
–E.E.
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Shred Day at Salisbury Bank
Great Barrington — Salisbury Bank & Trust Company will sponsor a free Community Shred Day on Saturday, September 26 from 9 a.m. until noon at its Great Barrington branch. Each person may bring up to four boxes of paper (paper only; no binders) for shredding.
Salisbury Bank is proud to offer this service as a way of enriching the communities it serves. All shredded paper will be recycled.
–E.E.
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‘Songs of World War I’ at Ventfort Hall
Lenox — Berkshire guitarist and singer Doug Schmolze will show the musical side of World War I with a performance of songs, both patriotic and otherwise, from the 1910s. “Songs of World War I” will take place at Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum on Saturday, September 26 at 3:30 pm. A Victorian tea will follow.
With anecdotes and historical notes included, Schmolze will provide insight into the mood of the era that ushered in the “War to End all Wars.” All ages are invited and will recognize patriotic songs such as “Over There” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag” by George M. Cohan that still remain popular, especially on civic occasions. Schmolze has sung with the Berkshire Bach Singers, Berkshire Choral Festival, and the Cantilena Chamber Choir. He also performs programs of vintage American songs from the 1920s to the 1940s.
Tickets for the Tea & Concert are $22 for advance reservations and $27 day of the event. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited. For information or reservations call Ventfort Hall at (413) 637-3206 or email info@gildedage.org
–E.E.
